Overview of Radiation Enteritis

Radiation is used in the treatment of cancer and comes with risks. Radiation enteritis is one of these risks. This condition is caused by the inflammation of your small intestine from radiation treatments in your stomach, sexual organs, or rectum.

Radiation enteritis can cause the loss of both intestine cells and tissue.

There are two types of radiation enteritis: acute and chronic. Acute enteritis shows up while you are getting radiation treatments. The condition will last until about eight weeks after your last radiation treatment. Chronic enteritis can cause symptoms that last for months to years after you complete treatment.

Symptoms of Radiation Enteritis

Symptoms of enteritis include:

nausea

vomiting

stomach cramping

frequent urges to use the bathroom

watery diarrhea

mucous discharge from the rectum

rectal pain

rectal bleeding

weight loss

wave-like stomach pains

How Is Radiation Enteritis Diagnosed?

Your bowel movements are the number one way a doctor will determine if you have enteritis. Your doctor might ask certain questions to get a clear picture of your symptoms. Some of these questions include when the diarrhea started, how long it lasted, what it looked like, and how often you have to use the bathroom. Your doctor will also ask about your current diet.

Your physical exam can include one of the following procedures:

endoscopy—a lighted tube is inserted into the mouth so doctors can view the upper part of the small intestine

colonoscopy—a lighted tube is entered into the colon, so doctors can get a view of the lower part of the small intestine

capsule endoscopy—you will swallow a small pill that contains a camera, which allows the doctor to view sections of the small intestine that other methods cannot

Treating Radiation Enteritis

Some common treatments for enteritis include:

antidiarrheal medicine

steroids

strong pain relief medicine like hydrocodone

lactose-free and low-fat diet

Doctors will often suggest that people affected by radiation enteritis make changes in their diet. These changes are designed to lessen aggravation to the digestive system.

Foods to Avoid

The following foods should be on your “do not eat” list:

dairy products (with the exception of yogurt)

whole wheat bread

greasy foods

nuts

seeds

raw vegetables

popcorn

strong spices and herbs

coffee

chocolate

alcohol

tobacco products

Foods to Include

Including the following foods in your diet will help:

fish

chicken, (and meat that has been cooked, broiled, or roasted)

bananas

eggs

applesauce

white bread

potatoes

macaroni

mild cooked vegetables (wax beans, carrots, spinach)

apple and grape juices

Most people are able to treat enteritis with dietary changes alone. However, if there is severe damage to your intestines, you may need intestinal bypass surgery. This is a surgical procedure where the damaged parts of your intestine is removed and the healthy parts are connected. This is relatively rare.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Radiation Enteritis?

The following factors can affect your chances of developing radiation enteritis:

radiation dosage

size and severity of tumor being treated

size of the treatment area

chemotherapy

prior stomach surgery

high blood pressure

diabetes

pelvic inflammatory disease

improper nutrition

Preventing Radiation Enteritis

When you go through radiation treatment, your doctor will take steps to reduce the chances of enteritis. These prevention methods may include:

putting your body in the best position to protect your small intestines while receiving radiation

giving radiation treatment while you have to urinate

adjusting the amount of radiation delivered

placing clips at tumor site to make sure there is a more direct radiation dose